Pontiac Hospital to suspend surgery and birthing services temporarily

The unexpected absence of a surgeon is causing a temporary shutdown of both general surgery serviceand the birthing unit at the Pontiac Hospital in Shawville, Que.

The break in service will last fromJan. 9 at 8 a.m. to Jan. 13 at 8 a.m., the Centre intgr de sant et de services sociaux de l'Outaouais(CISSSO) said in a French-language media release.

All trauma cases during that time will be referred to other trauma centres nearby in Gatineau and Hull.

Pregnant women in labour will be redirected to the Gatineau Hospital to give birth.

In cases of urgent deliveries, qualified personnel will still be present at the Pontiac Hospital to offer assistance, the health authority said.

The closing of the obstetrics unit marks the 11th shutdown since September 2019. It closed most recently over the holidays from Dec. 13, 2019, until this Monday due to ongoing staffing issues.